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Sunday, 20 May 2012

Billy Boyd helps Glasgow workers set world record for taekwondo routine

Billy Boyd
with Jordyn Smith before the taekwondo Guinness World Record attempt at the
Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow

Scots actor
Billy Boyd has helped break the world record for the largest synchronised
taekwondo routine to raise money for a children's charity.

The Lord of
the Rings star joined employees of professional services firm KPMG in Glasgow
for the Big Blue Kick in support of Barnardo's.

The
co-ordinated martial arts display took place in locations across the UK including
London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds and involved around 900 people.

The routine
raised £50,000 for the charity and was officially verified as a new Guinness
World Record for the greatest number of people participating in a co-ordinated
taekwondo display at multiple venues.

In Glasgow,
martial arts instructors Nikos Jakubiak and Angie Bailey led Billy, 30 KPMG
staff and students from the Central Taekwondo Academy in Falkirk through the
routine.

The actor
said: "It's been a privilege to be involved with today's record-breaking
effort. Everyone taking part has had a lot of fun raising money for such a
worthwhile cause.

"By
setting this new world record, KPMG have helped raised awareness for Barnardo's
Scotland and the great work they do with young people across Scotland."

KPMG has
raised over £1 million throughout the UK for Barnardo's in the first 18 months
of its two-year fundraising commitment to the charity. The company also
sponsors the Great Britain taekwondo team.

Craig
Anderson, senior partner for KPMG in Scotland, said: "We had a fantastic
response from staff keen to help set an impressive world record and raise money
for an excellent cause. As well as raising money for Barnardo's Scotland, the
Big Blue Kick enabled us to demonstrate our support for GB Taekwondo in what is
a huge year for them."

SallyAnn
Kelly, acting director of Barnardo's Scotland, said: "This is a great
achievement by KPMG. The money raised will go towards helping the invaluable
work we do with vulnerable children every day."

Steve Flynn,
commercial manager at GB Taekwondo, said: "Congratulations to the staff of
KPMG for their fantastic efforts and for their continued support of the GB team
who I'm sure will be inspired by your success today."

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